Discussing the 'Muslim Experience'

Panel shares with students meaning of growing up Muslim in modern America

Carolyn Walser / staff photographer Freshman Samier Mansur serves as member to "The Muslim Experience" discussion panel. The event was presented by the Office of International Programs and the Muslim Student Alliance. Money to support the week of events was provided through a grant from the U.S. Department of State.

As part of the “Illuminating Islam” forums, a student panel of six JMU Muslim students explained what it was like to be a Muslim in today's world.

The first question posed to the panel by moderator Jacob Kinnard, professor of religion and philosophy, was, “What does it mean to be a Muslim?”

Sentiments of many panel members were echoed by sophomore Shirley McCall, who said that a strong relationship with God lent the panelists peace and room for growth through the acknowledgement of fault and realization of faith.

“Islam means so much,” McCall said. “When I'm down, the Koran lifts me up, gives me answers. My ultimate goal is to be a better Muslim; it's my world.”

Freshman Samier Mansur said the discipline was often tough to handle, especially in the college setting, but said, “It's taking the harder path to prepare your soul for the end.”

Islam functions as a “common sense” guide to life that aids in making everyday decisions, Mansur added.

Many of the speakers, having grown up in the Middle East, said it was easier to grow up in communities where Islam is the norm, and that definite cultural contrasts existed between those of Islamic and Western nations, especially in a post-Sept. 11, 2001, America.

“[A life of discipline] gets tough,” said sophomore Mohammad Hafez.“ Islam teaches a life of discipline but it's surprising how much people understand us and accept us.”

According to McCall, Ramadan, a holy month during which Muslims are required to fast from sunrise to sunset, was especially difficult for her because she participates in track, volleyball and basketball.

Fasting for an entire month became difficult because of the extreme workouts in college sports and at certain points, focusing just on sports became a viable option, but McCall held on and is glad that she did so.“Where my team grew physically, I had definitely grown mentally,” McCall said.

The Koran dictates praying five times a day and, in many Islamic nations, the times for prayer are announced on loudspeakers in the streets.

In America, many of the panel members said growing up with prayer seemed like a chore, but, as adults, they had grown to love prayer as a sense of redemption and peace.

“Prayer is my highest point of spirituality,” Hafez said. “It is my meeting time with God.”

Since Sept. 11, Islamic culture has been heavily scrutinized by the majority of American media outlets, according to junior Farrah Khan.

Such common portrayals have strong impact on daily life for the Muslim students, she added.

Junior Babar Hashmi said, “When I see Muslims portrayed in that radical and so called 'fundamentalist' light, the goal becomes to go out and make as many friendships as possible to clear the misconceptions.”

For more information on Islam Week 2004 visit www.jmu.edu/islamweek.